Isabella Meli, a former Shoreham-Wading River athlete who also excelled at Binghamton University, has been appointed head coach of the Wildcats field hockey program, stepping up from her previous duties as JV coach. Her deep familiarity with the community and the team’s history positions her to guide the squad through its current challenges.
The Wildcats have opened the season with back‑to‑back 3‑0 defeats to Sayville and Miller Place, and the team is currently training on a grass surface while dealing with the absence of a key senior player. These early setbacks have tested the squad’s resolve, but Meli remains convinced of its potential.
Overcoming Early Setbacks
Meli’s confidence is bolstered by the return of senior forwards Mary Kilkenny and Madeline Rizzi, who she expects to anchor the attack, and by Madison Herr’s decision to sit out her senior field hockey season to focus on lacrosse, leaving the roster with a blend of experienced talent and fresh motivation.
To offset the lack of a turf field, the coaching staff has intensified drills aimed at increasing game speed and transition efficiency, a tactical shift Meli believes will sharpen the Wildcats’ competitiveness as they prepare for their first matchup against the combined Mattituck/Greenport/Southold team on Thursday.
Looking Ahead
With the senior core poised to drive the team forward and the coaching staff committed to developing the Wildcats’ capabilities, the program aims to finish strongly in its division despite the early-season hurdles.